ERP plans to use the aircraft across three Namibian wildlife reserves, supporting anti-poaching patrols, herd monitoring and the movement of rangers, canine teams, veterinarians and supplies.
Elephants, Rhinos & People (ERP) is working to establish a two-aircraft conservation fleet in Namibia, with two pre-owned Cessna 182s planned as the core of its developing Air Wing.
ERP is fundraising to purchase the two aircraft in Southern Africa, with proceeds from the sale of its existing CubCrafters NX Cub expected to contribute towards the acquisitions and a new Air Wing hangar at Swakopmund.
The aircraft will support three large wildlife reserves managed by ERP in Namibia. Two are in the north of the country and focus on the protection of endangered desert-adapted elephants, while a third reserve in southern Namibia supports endangered black rhinos.
ERP told African Pilot that the size and remoteness of the reserves, together with the distances between them, make road transport difficult and inefficient for some tasks.
The planned aircraft will be used for anti-poaching patrols, herd monitoring and the movement of rangers, canine units, veterinarians and other personnel. ERP also envisages using them to carry emergency supplies, medicine, medical equipment and personnel in support of communities surrounding the reserves. Why the Cessna 182? ERP has selected the Cessna 182 as the initial aircraft for the Air Wing and plans to acquire two pre-owned examples in Southern Africa.
The organisation said the type was chosen for its combination of load-carrying capacity, speed, operating cost and ability to use remote airstrips.
That suits the mix of work ERP expects the aircraft to perform. A monitoring flight may carry a ranger or observer, while other missions could involve moving veterinarians, canine teams, personnel or supplies between properties.
ERP has not yet identified the model years or individual aircraft under consideration, so the final specifications and equipment fit will depend on the examples acquired.
Once purchased, the two aircraft will be refurbished and upgraded before entering service. ERP said the work will bring the aircraft in line with its safety requirements, but did not specify what avionics, communications equipment or mission-specific modifications may be fitted.
From the NX Cub to an Operational Fleet ERP acquired a CubCrafters NX Cub during 2025 and has used the aircraft over the past year to raise awareness of the Air Wing programme.
The NX Cub is now being sold in the United States.
ERP said proceeds from the sale will help fund the acquisition of the first two Cessna 182s and contribute towards construction of a new hangar at Swakopmund in coastal Namibia.
Permits for the hangar project have already been received and design work is underway.
The move to two Cessna 182s gives ERP a broader utility platform for the work it is planning in Namibia, combining aerial patrol and monitoring with routine transport between properties. Building the Operation in Namibia ERP plans to use Namibian contract pilots for the initial missions once the aircraft enter service.
The organisation later intends to introduce volunteer pilots from around the world, flying conservation missions alongside ERP rangers.
Rangers and conservation personnel will remain central to the missions, providing the local knowledge needed for wildlife monitoring, patrol work and field operations.
Moving a veterinarian or canine team between remote properties can be as important as surveillance from the air. The same applies to carrying equipment, supplies or personnel where road access is slow or difficult.
ERP also plans to use the aircraft in support of surrounding communities, including the movement of emergency supplies, medicine, medical equipment and personnel where required. Connecting Remote Conservation Areas ERP’s Air Wing is being built around a practical transport problem: moving people and equipment efficiently between large, remote conservation areas.
The two Cessna 182s are intended to cover both conservation and logistical work, rather than operate as dedicated surveillance aircraft.
The immediate focus is on fundraising, sourcing two suitable aircraft in Southern Africa, completing their refurbishment and progressing the new Swakopmund hangar.
Once in service, the aircraft are expected to form the operational core of ERP’s aviation activities in Namibia.
